The DVD (officially known as the Digital Versatile Disc, also commonly known as the Digital Video Disc) is a media format which superseeded VHS (Video Home System) as the most commonly used media for home video.
Developed in 1995 by Philips, Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic, the format allowed for a number of features including surround sound, multiple audio and subtitle options as well as mulitple camera angles.
The format also introduced a region lock system to prevent importing, and a number of copy protection measures were introduced to prevent piracy.
The format was also used for software on the Personal Computer and Macintosh, as well as the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360 and the Wii.